Published by Blakes for more
than a quarter of a century
than a quarter of a century
Hot Bite
HOT-FOOD VENDING DETERMINED TO CHALLENGE STEREOTYPE
When most people think of vending they often imagine a below-par product which is overpriced and not a particularly appetising substitute for a missed lunch, breakfast or evening meal. But UK-based Snack Point Limited are at the forefront of a drive to change the stereotype by offering a number of innovative 24/7 hot-food solutions which are both value for money and a quality offering at the same time.
Launched as a franchise operation in response to increasing consumer demands for 24/7 hot-food availability, Snack Point introduced its toasted sandwich vending machine to the market in early 2002 through a new brand - 'Hot Bite'. Managing Director Craig Myers explains: "Social trends in the UK suggested an increasingly active population, very much out and about, travelling more and engaging in activities which involve being outside of the home. As part of this process, people are demanding hot food which is convenient and accessible without compromising on quality. I believe that Hot Bite provides this".
The Hot Bite machines - which also comprise panini, pizza and snack-vending options - are truly first-to-market, using patented technology to heat the product within special packaging either by hot plates or, in the case of the pizza machine, using a fan-assisted convection oven. Mr Myers explains: "Nearly all hot-food vending to-date has used some form of microwave technology to toast or cook the product, which, when you're using bread-based ingredients, does not produce a quality anywhere near what you would expect from a traditional toaster or oven". He continues: "Furthermore, our machines do not require regular cleaning as all products are kept in special packaging at all times whilst distributed, refrigerated and during the cooking process".
From humble beginnings, the past 24 months have been somewhat rewarding for Hot Bite. In fact, 35 territories have been purchased and there are more than 200 machines now operating in the UK alone, and many more around the world. The Hot Bite machines have been such a success nationally that they have caught the attention of several large organisations, including supermarket retailers, car-manufacturing plants, nightclubs, hospitals and universities. Such alliances arguably are increasing the exposure for both the franchise and the Hot Bite brand throughout the industry and to the consumer.
Internationally, interest in the Hot Bite concept has been high. Indeed, Snack Point is in discussion with various interested parties in over 40 countries worldwide from Europe to the Middle East to the United States. Negotiations have so far centred on granting either the Master Franchise (essentially a micro version of Hot Bite UK in another country) or exclusive distribution rights (exclusivity to distribute and sell machines in a specified country).
In order to keep pace with technology and any potential competitors, Snack Point is always looking at new developments and concepts that will add value to its Hot Bite brand. One such concept provides a total food and drink solution. Under the working title of Auto Cafe Hot Bite offer a complete food and drink offering through a matrix of selected vending machines complimented by small seating facilities. Adrian Marshall, Hot Bite Operations Director says "The Auto Cafe would essentially negate the need for staffing on-site as well as providing a way of reducing costs and providing an alternative meal offering should other facilities be closed". The Auto Cafe can feature a toasted sandwich or panini machine, pizza machine, popcorn, muffin and ice cream options as well as coffee, fresh orange juice, snack and can offerings.
How the Hot Bite franchise works
The Hot Bite franchise works in a way similar to many other UK franchises. Sole rights are assigned to a specific territory with identifiable potential for the siting of Hot Bite machines, which are leased from the franchisor. Commercially, the franchisee's task is to develop their business within their designated territory both in terms of managing existing sites and finding suitable new outlets. Established market sites for Hot Bite machines include education, health, business and industry; whilst emerging market sites include transport services, the leisure sector, hotels and retailing.
From an operational perspective, franchisees need to ensure machines are working efficiently and are well stocked at all times. The Hot Bite franchise can be operated from home, avoiding the overheads of separate business premises, at least to begin with. However, when a franchisee places a number of machines in the marketplace they will be encouraged to utilise a chilled distribution van in accordance with Hot Bite requirements. Importantly, franchisees are not required to prepare any of the food products, which are sourced direct from Hot Bite approved suppliers. For those already established in the catering trade, Hot Bite is pleased to discuss 'own supply' arrangements.
The inclusive key benefits of a franchise with Hot Bite are:
. Unique patented vending concept
. Exclusive territory rights
. Excellent sustainable income
. Access to ongoing new products
. Alliances with key professionals on the logistics, technical and product manufacture.
As franchisor, Hot Bite provides a wealth of assistance to help new franchisees. Another benefit of the Hot Bite franchise is the business launch programme, which provides new franchisees with professional PR support. Furthermore, there is a dedicated lead generation support team as well as a business stationery starter pack and point-of-sale material. Hot Bite also assists with national and regional corporate accounts as well as product development, consumable development and delivery and business planning both financially and legally.
Hot Bite provide five days of comprehensive induction training which covers technical and operational aspects of all the Hot Bite machines as well as core sales and marketing training. Hot Bite also allows two days of mentoring with an experienced franchisee in the field. Ongoing workshops and 'best practice' meetings are held bi-monthly.
Therefore, if you are interested in learning more about the Hot Bite franchise or would like more information on Snack Point Limited and the range of vending machines on offer, then please visit the Hot Bite website, at www.hotbite.co.uk,
or contact us by telephoning +44 (0)1420 80230,
or by email (enquiries@hotbite.co.uk).
Launched as a franchise operation in response to increasing consumer demands for 24/7 hot-food availability, Snack Point introduced its toasted sandwich vending machine to the market in early 2002 through a new brand - 'Hot Bite'. Managing Director Craig Myers explains: "Social trends in the UK suggested an increasingly active population, very much out and about, travelling more and engaging in activities which involve being outside of the home. As part of this process, people are demanding hot food which is convenient and accessible without compromising on quality. I believe that Hot Bite provides this".
The Hot Bite machines - which also comprise panini, pizza and snack-vending options - are truly first-to-market, using patented technology to heat the product within special packaging either by hot plates or, in the case of the pizza machine, using a fan-assisted convection oven. Mr Myers explains: "Nearly all hot-food vending to-date has used some form of microwave technology to toast or cook the product, which, when you're using bread-based ingredients, does not produce a quality anywhere near what you would expect from a traditional toaster or oven". He continues: "Furthermore, our machines do not require regular cleaning as all products are kept in special packaging at all times whilst distributed, refrigerated and during the cooking process".
From humble beginnings, the past 24 months have been somewhat rewarding for Hot Bite. In fact, 35 territories have been purchased and there are more than 200 machines now operating in the UK alone, and many more around the world. The Hot Bite machines have been such a success nationally that they have caught the attention of several large organisations, including supermarket retailers, car-manufacturing plants, nightclubs, hospitals and universities. Such alliances arguably are increasing the exposure for both the franchise and the Hot Bite brand throughout the industry and to the consumer.
Internationally, interest in the Hot Bite concept has been high. Indeed, Snack Point is in discussion with various interested parties in over 40 countries worldwide from Europe to the Middle East to the United States. Negotiations have so far centred on granting either the Master Franchise (essentially a micro version of Hot Bite UK in another country) or exclusive distribution rights (exclusivity to distribute and sell machines in a specified country).
In order to keep pace with technology and any potential competitors, Snack Point is always looking at new developments and concepts that will add value to its Hot Bite brand. One such concept provides a total food and drink solution. Under the working title of Auto Cafe Hot Bite offer a complete food and drink offering through a matrix of selected vending machines complimented by small seating facilities. Adrian Marshall, Hot Bite Operations Director says "The Auto Cafe would essentially negate the need for staffing on-site as well as providing a way of reducing costs and providing an alternative meal offering should other facilities be closed". The Auto Cafe can feature a toasted sandwich or panini machine, pizza machine, popcorn, muffin and ice cream options as well as coffee, fresh orange juice, snack and can offerings.
How the Hot Bite franchise works
The Hot Bite franchise works in a way similar to many other UK franchises. Sole rights are assigned to a specific territory with identifiable potential for the siting of Hot Bite machines, which are leased from the franchisor. Commercially, the franchisee's task is to develop their business within their designated territory both in terms of managing existing sites and finding suitable new outlets. Established market sites for Hot Bite machines include education, health, business and industry; whilst emerging market sites include transport services, the leisure sector, hotels and retailing.
From an operational perspective, franchisees need to ensure machines are working efficiently and are well stocked at all times. The Hot Bite franchise can be operated from home, avoiding the overheads of separate business premises, at least to begin with. However, when a franchisee places a number of machines in the marketplace they will be encouraged to utilise a chilled distribution van in accordance with Hot Bite requirements. Importantly, franchisees are not required to prepare any of the food products, which are sourced direct from Hot Bite approved suppliers. For those already established in the catering trade, Hot Bite is pleased to discuss 'own supply' arrangements.
The inclusive key benefits of a franchise with Hot Bite are:
. Unique patented vending concept
. Exclusive territory rights
. Excellent sustainable income
. Access to ongoing new products
. Alliances with key professionals on the logistics, technical and product manufacture.
As franchisor, Hot Bite provides a wealth of assistance to help new franchisees. Another benefit of the Hot Bite franchise is the business launch programme, which provides new franchisees with professional PR support. Furthermore, there is a dedicated lead generation support team as well as a business stationery starter pack and point-of-sale material. Hot Bite also assists with national and regional corporate accounts as well as product development, consumable development and delivery and business planning both financially and legally.
Hot Bite provide five days of comprehensive induction training which covers technical and operational aspects of all the Hot Bite machines as well as core sales and marketing training. Hot Bite also allows two days of mentoring with an experienced franchisee in the field. Ongoing workshops and 'best practice' meetings are held bi-monthly.
Therefore, if you are interested in learning more about the Hot Bite franchise or would like more information on Snack Point Limited and the range of vending machines on offer, then please visit the Hot Bite website, at www.hotbite.co.uk,
or contact us by telephoning +44 (0)1420 80230,
or by email (enquiries@hotbite.co.uk).
Copyright © 2005 Blake.